I’m obsessed with this Air Fryer pineapple. The outside becomes nicely caramelized and slightly charred while the inside stays juicy and tender — perfect on its own, dipped in sauce, or served with ice cream for dessert.
This Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a tropical, no-fuss treat you can prepare in under 15 minutes. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor — sweet, tangy, slightly spicy from a hint of chili powder, and perfectly caramelized.
Bookmark this pineapple air fryer recipe and try it soon. If you love caramelized pineapple but want a quicker method than grilling, the air fryer is ideal.
In minutes you’ll have a memorable sweet snack that pairs beautifully with ice cream, pancakes, yogurt, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
- 2 tbsp (28 g) melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder (optional)
These straightforward ingredients and minimal effort are all you need to make this Air Fryer Pineapple. For convenience, refer to the recipe card below for prep and cooking times.
Step by Step Tutorial
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder until smooth.
Prepare the pineapple: lay it on its side and slice off the top and bottom so it stands flat. Trim the outer skin by cutting downward in strips until all the skin is removed. Slice the pineapple into 1-inch thick rings.
Use a pineapple corer, a round cookie cutter, or a drinking glass to remove the core from each ring so you’re left with tender, edible pineapple rings.
While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor. You can also cut the fruit into spears or chunks if you prefer.
Brush or spoon the cinnamon-butter mixture over both sides of the pineapple rings so they are evenly coated.
Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches — each batch is quick to cook.
Note: Do not line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment; placing the rings directly on the basket helps achieve the best caramelization and char marks.
Set the air fryer to 375°F (180°C) and air fry for about 7–8 minutes per side, for a total of roughly 15 minutes, turning halfway with tongs. If you prefer a deeper char, add another minute or two.
The air fryer browns the exterior while keeping the flesh juicy — a wonderful contrast. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon sorbet, or enjoy cold as a snack.
How do they taste?
This recipe delivers a burst of flavors: natural pineapple juiciness, sweet caramelized brown sugar, a hint of warm cinnamon, and a subtle spicy note from the chili powder. The texture is slightly crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Storage Instructions
Grilled pineapple is best served warm within a couple of hours, but you can make it ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Can grilled pineapple be made ahead of time?
Yes. Store grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze slices in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat briefly in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or warm in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Cold pineapple slices are also delicious.
How to Serve?
Air Fryer Pineapple is versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Add to smoothies or fruit salads for a tropical boost.
- Use as a filling in pineapple cake or upside-down cake recipes.
- Serve alongside grilled or roasted meats as a bright, sweet side.
- Dip in caramel sauce or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Top a cheesecake or tart for a fruity garnish.
Handy Tips:
- Do not use aluminum foil or parchment paper — direct contact with the air fryer basket creates better char and caramelization.
- Leftovers work well in recipes that call for fresh pineapple, such as upside-down cake or fruit salads.
- Fresh pineapple rings or chunks have superior flavor and texture compared to canned fruit. Avoid overcooking to keep the interior juicy.
- Choose a ripe pineapple (yellow-gold flesh) for the best sweetness; pale green indicates underripe fruit.
- Omit the chili powder when serving children or if you prefer a purely sweet profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
In general foil can be used for some recipes, but for this pineapple recipe avoid foil so the fruit can caramelize and char directly on the basket.
Yes. Sturdy fruits like pineapple, mango, banana, and guava hold up well in the air fryer. Juicier, delicate fruits may not fare as well.
You can skip sweetener entirely because pineapple is naturally sweet, or substitute jaggery, honey, maple syrup, white sugar, or other sweeteners to taste.
Yes, canned pineapple works, but fresh pineapple is preferred for texture and flavor.
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Easy Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon – Just like Grilled!!
Equipment
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Air Fryer (any brand)
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Pair of tongs
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1 bowl, 1 plate and a spoon
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
- 2 tbsp melted butter (28 g)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
Instructions
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Combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder in a small bowl.
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Trim the pineapple, remove the skin, and slice into 1-inch rings. Core each ring.
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Brush the cinnamon-butter mixture onto both sides of the rings.
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Place rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
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Serve warm with ice cream or as desired.
Notes
- Do not use aluminum foil or parchment — direct contact with the air fryer basket produces the best char.
- Leftover pineapple is versatile: add to cakes, salads, or smoothies.
- Use ripe fresh pineapple for optimal sweetness and texture. Avoid overcooking to keep slices juicy.
- Omit chili powder for a purely sweet version suitable for kids.
- Air fryer settings work across brands; adjust time slightly if your model runs hot or cool.